Accidents can happen to anyone, and these days we have a lot of distractions that make them even more common. It is good to be prepared by knowing what to do at the scene of an accident.

Remember to stay calm & courteous. You’ll need to make sure you aren’t hurt and have a clear head to deal with the situation.

Get Out of Traffic

The first thing to do is move the vehicles to a safe place. If the cars can’t be moved, turn on the hazard lights.

Check For Injuries

Even the smallest accidents can cause injuries. Check everyone from both cars and call for help if necessary.

Call The Police

Call the police so they can make a formal report of the accident and document damage to either vehicle. The police with take a statement from each driver. Make sure you get the officer’s contact info and the accident report number.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Get their name, address, phone numbers and name of insurance company. Also, list any passengers and witnesses.

Document the Accident

Sometimes specific details are hard to remember after a period of time. It’s important to document exactly what happened as soon as possible. Include weather conditions, estimated speeds and as much precise information as you can observe. Take pictures of both vehicles – especially the parts that are damaged. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.